Electrical interconnections: a Bolivian priority

The presentation of the study was in charge of Mauricio Garrón, Director of Energy Analysis and Strategies, and was held at the panel Bolivia, Corazón Energético de Sudamérica (Bolivia: Energy Heart of South America), in the framework of the IX International Congress Bolivia Gas & Energy 2016, which took place on August 17th and 18th.  

The objective of the study was to seek interconnection alternatives for Bolivia with its neighboring countries, based on the fact that these types of projects may bring advantages to the countries involved that go beyond just supplying energy.  

Specifically, the objectives were: 

• Identify, quantify, and evaluate the export/import markets that enable the development of interconnections and generation plants aimed at exports.
• Identify, quantify, and evaluate electrical interconnections based on the criteria of load curves complementarity, hydrological cycles complementarity, and economic efficiency, among others.
• Analyze the regulatory mechanisms for the implementation of international trade with neighboring countries so that projects may be feasible. 

Based on the conclusions of the study and the Congress, it is evident that Bolivia has a significant role to play as a regional energy center. 

The Congress, organized by the Cámara Boliviana de Hidrocarburos y Energía -CBHE (Bolivian Chamber of Hydrocarbons and Energy), was held in the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, and included 600 participants and 20 international speakers. CAF representatives included Emilio Uquillas, CAF's Director Representative in Bolivia, Ligia Castro, Corporate Director of The Environment and Climate Change, and Mauricio Garrón, Director of Energy Analysis and Strategies.